Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Tom Willis was shot and killed as another deputy struggled with a knife-wielding man at a dance near Odem.
The deputies had gone to the dance to keep order. A man at the dance started to create a disturbance and pulled a knife on the deputies when they attempted to intervene.
As one of the deputies struggled with the man, the deputy's gun discharged. The round struck Deputy Willis, killing him.
The suspect attempted to flee but was shot and killed by the other deputies.
Deputy Tom Willis is buried in the Bethel Cemetery in Odem in San Patricio County.
No passage of time will ever erase your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police (Retired) September 26th, 2020
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TX-A5812F2F- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Willis served with the San Patricio County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Sinton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Willis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Tom Willis is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In TX, 1,463 of 2,421 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At San Patricio County Sheriff's Dept., 3 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Tom Willis's cause is highlighted.
How Tom Willis Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Tom Willis is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Tom Willis was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from San Patricio County Sheriff's Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
